Groups Protesting Under the American Flag
Both marginalized groups, immigrants and African Americans, flew the American flag during their protests to assert their rights as American citizens. The demonstrations allowed immigrants to demonstrate their desire to be fully a part of the democratic values and promise the national flag represents (Portnoy et al., 2012). They believed in the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom that the American flag represented, despite their minority condition (Hanson & O’Dwyer, 2019). They championed racial equity, liberty, and tolerance in the confines of the customs and culture of the American people.
Military Perspectives on Flag Desecration and Authority
The military personnel may have thought it was right to damage an American flag during these demonstrations because of their concept of patriotism and belief that the protestors were confronting the government’s principles. The superior officers may or may not have approved their actions, depending on their opinions and circumstances. Although certain law enforcement personnel might have believed it was imperative to safeguard the lobbyists’ freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly, some may have advocated for silencing those in opposition.
Policing, Patriotism, and the Child’s Determined Defense
The police officer may have been angry that the boy was carrying an American flag since he regarded it as a form of resisting the established authority. The flag was a potent and well-known symbol of the nation and its government. The policeman might have thought it was rude or subversive of the child to carry the flag while making a protest gesture. The boy struggled to preserve the flag out of pure patriotism despite the criticism toward the government that he may not have fully comprehended. He firmly believed in the principles embodied by the American flag and felt a strong patriotism.
The American Flag as a Symbol for Diverse Agendas
The unique aspects of American culture, which are marked by pluralism, permit diverse organizations to interpret the American flag in ways that further their various agendas. According to Connolly (2020), pluralism is the coexistence of various community cultural, religious, and ideological groupings. Even if their goals appear to conflict, various groups may link the flag to their conflicts, ideas, and aspirations. This is because the American flag symbolizes universally recognized fundamental ideals and concepts, and various parties are free to claim ownership of them to further their objectives.
References
Connolly, W. E. (2020). Pluralism. Duke University Press.
Hanson, K., & O’Dwyer, E. (2019). Patriotism and nationalism, left and right: AQ‐methodology study of American national identity. Political Psychology, 40(4), 777-795. Web.
Portnoy, D., Portnoy, B. M., Riggs, C., & Cornelius, W. A. (2012). Immigrant Struggles, Immigrant Gifts.